Jonathan "Jon" David Haraty, 77, passed away on November 2, 2026. In the days leading up to his passing, he shared precious moments with his family, who made sure he knew how deeply he was loved.

Jon was born on April 8, 1949, to the late Jack and Irene Haraty.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Linda (Buske) Haraty. Their love story began when Linda was just 15, and Jon was 16. Although life took them in different directions for a time, they eventually found their way back to one another. They rekindled their love, married, and spent 38 wonderful years together, proving that sometimes love really does come full circle.

Jon is also survived by his stepsons, Brett LaPierre and his partner, Renee Felings, and her daughters, Emma, Juliette, and Lydia Swain; and Brian LaPierre and his wife, Katie, and their children, Aiden and Caelyn LaPierre. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betsy Johnson, wife of his late sister, LaVerne LeMay.

Jon was truly a jack of all trades, taking on many different roles throughout his life. From mechanic and chemist to lab director and many other professions, there wasn't much Jon couldn't do. One of his most meaningful roles, however, was spending 17 years teaching at the Alternative High School in Springfield Public Schools. As a scuba diving instructor, Jon found a way to combine his love of the ocean with his passion for teaching, introducing his students at the alternative school to the world of scuba diving and helping many of them earn their diving certifications. Jon was dedicated to his community as well, serving as a volunteer firefighter in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and as a member of the town's Conservation Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Jon had a love for nature and adventure, especially the ocean, coral reefs, and the beauty of an African safari. But of all the roles he held throughout his life, his most cherished was being Papou to Aiden and Caelyn.

Jon will be remembered for his many talents, his adventurous spirit, and above all, his love for his family. He leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured forever.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Whitman, Massachusetts, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. There will be no burial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jon's memory to:

Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund

Dr. Laskin’s Research Fund

10 Brookline Place West, 5th

Brookline, MA 02445